US Provides Disaster Relief Support to Panama
By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - In response to a formal request from the Panamanian government to provide assistance in the areas of Chiriquí, Colon, and Bocas del Toro affected by heavy rains and flooding, this morning the US Southern Command put a SeaHawk (SH-60B) helicopter from the USS Samuel B. Roberts at the disposal of the Republic of Panama. The helicopter flew a mission today to evaluate the extent of flood damage in some hard to reach areas of the country. The helicopter departed Rodman at 6:18 am this morning carrying US personnel as well Vianca Castillo of the SINAPROC and SAN Second Lieutenant Mariano Cano. The helicopter will return to the SINAPROC facilities at Howard at approximately 1:00 pm. The USS Samuel B. Roberts is currently passing through the Panama Canal and her commander Wallace G. Lovely made the helicopter available to assist in the relief efforts. The crew for this mission is comprised of pilot Lt. Commander Jason McCoy, copilot Lt Nate Rodenbarger, and Matthew Russell. The Embassy of the United States is coordinating very closely with SINAPROC in other areas of assistance.
Copyright 2008 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.
